Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Scotland manager Steve Clarke faces one of his biggest selection decisions as the national team prepares to open their World Cup campaign against Haiti in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The match takes place at Boston Stadium and represents a crucial opportunity for Scotland to bank three points before tougher fixtures await in Group C.
According to sources cited by Record Sport, McGinn is set to come into the starting XI in the only change from the side that beat Bolivia in a pre-tournament friendly last week in New Jersey.
Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie, who has earned 68 caps since making his international debut nine years ago, is the player set to make way for McGinn on the left side.
McGinn started on the bench against Bolivia seven days ago, but Clarke appears ready to restore the Aston Villa captain to his starting lineup for this opening group stage fixture.
The 31-year-old McGinn is one of Scotland’s most decorated international players, having scored 20 goals in 86 caps to sit fourth on the country’s all-time top scorers list.
His tally places him just two goals behind Hibernian legend Lawrie Reilly, and his Europa League winner’s medal with Aston Villa this season underlines his quality at the highest level of club football.
Record Sport’s Keith Jackson, reporting from the United States, revealed the leaked team news on the Hotline Live show ahead of the game, saying: “We have heard… it’s not confirmed, but we’ve heard a team from someone we can have a pretty decent amount of faith in.”
Jackson was careful to caveat the information, adding: “The information is probably correct but not verified. According to this source the team will be the exact same as started against Bolivia except one change.”
He confirmed the key selection call, stating: “Unfortunately for Ryan Christie he drops out and John McGinn comes in on off the left.”
Scotland’s two remaining Group C fixtures pit them against Morocco and five-time World Cup champions Brazil, making a positive start against Haiti all the more important for Clarke’s squad.
A win against Haiti would represent Scotland’s first World Cup victory in 36 years, a milestone that would lift enormous pressure heading into those daunting contests with two of the world’s top footballing nations.
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